Coming Out to Health Care Providers in Puerto Rico: Opportunities for Prevention and Engagement in Care, International Journal of Sexual Health

Colón-López V, González-Barrios D, De León SM, Girona-Lozada G, Machin M, Charneco E, Frias-Belén O, Román L, Ortiz AP.

Abstract

Disclosure of same-sex attraction to healthcare providers (HCPs) by MSM is critical because it may promote appropriate health care. We describe factors influencing disclosure of same-sex attraction to HCPs by 302 MSM ages 18 to 73 years who participated in the Puerto Rico National HIV Behavioral Surveillance study. Over 50% had disclosed same-sex attraction to HCPs, and those who had disclosed were significantly older and more likely to be aware of their sexual partners’ HIV status compared to MSM who had not disclosed. Non-disclosure of same-sex attraction to HCPs by MSM in Puerto Rico may be associated with missed opportunities for appropriate healthcare.

KEYWORDS:
MSM, Puerto Rico, NHBS, HIV, health care provider disclosure